A day in the life of...

Why do you do this job?
I do this job because I love the idea of seeing something developing from an idea(Design) to a physical thing

What training did you receive?
Double wound transformer design

What happens during a normal day at work?
EDS training (Electrical Design Software)
Introduction to the IEC and ABB standards

What's the upside?
Learning new things about what makes a Transformer and designing it

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
Being a perfectionist most of the time and paying attention to detail

What's the downside?
Working under pressure at times

Who are your role models or mentors?
Nico Gunter (Principal Electrical Designer)
Abel Gilbert (Electrical Design Manager)

Do you make enough money for now?
Yes

What will you do next?
Electrical Engineering Btech and Project management

Why do you do this job?
I love it and I believe I have a lot to offer in terms of applying my technical skills and theoretical knowledge in the electrical field.

What training did you receive?
Electrical design training on EDS (Electrical Design System), training in the workshop (six months) and training on Pro E (Mechanical design software).

What happens during a normal day at work?
Training and designing using the electrical design software

What's the upside?
In general the working/office climate enables room for innovation and there are enormous opportunities and exposure to new technologies, so knowledge and personal development in the engineering field is enhanced.

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
Dedication and the need to succeed

What's the downside?
Pressure for completion of the designs and meeting the deadlines.

Who are your role models or mentors?
Abel Gilbert (Electrical Design manager), Nico Gunter (Principal Electrical Designer), Billy Sithole (Quality Inspector) and Ephraim Dikobe (Quality Inspector)

Do you make enough money?
Yes, but money can never be enough hey.

What will you do next?
Work towards becoming senior designer & possibly manager

When I started working, I hadn’t programmed a user interface other than text – based ones; my superiors spent a few weeks training me on how to create them properly in an Integrated Development Environment, and how to do database queries via datasets. I also had to learn the Delphi programming language. I caught up at a reasonable pace due to my C++, Java and Pascal background.

I was also taught more practical applications of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets. When used correctly in conjunction with databases and a programming language, it could be an invaluable tool for reporting and project management.

Our company also realizes the value of retention of staff, and invests comprehensively in “soft skills”, as well as other practical skills such as basic firefighting, first aid and accounting for non – financial managers. People who are happier are simply more productive.

What happens during a normal day at work?
Most of my time is dedicated towards developing data – driven applications. Most of the office personnel in our company use data presented in some form, whether it be the data capturing clerk or the CEO evaluating the week’s production report.

In layman’s terms, my job constitutes the following:

After I went through my emails in the morning, I’ll start programming or maintaining an existing development. We have a biometric access control system whose data is used to determine our employees’ wages, and assists us in determining man hours spent on a specific works order. My tasks often involve operations with this data, and providing support to those individuals in the company who also need to use the software that controls the security gates. I’m also partially responsible for making sure that our contractors come and fix the gates when technical difficulties occur.

We also have our own in – house developed project management software that needs constant support, training of staff and maintenance.

Like all jobs, there is also some “mindless paperwork” involved. Fortunately our company is well equipped in terms of printers/scanners/fax machines.

What's the upside?
As my programming skill and business savvy improves, so will my value as an asset. I need to know that I am progressing at work (and life) in order to be happy.

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
I have strong analytical skills and maintain a high degree of professionalism. I am an inquisitive, hard working and self – disciplined individual. I do what it takes to maintain good physical and mental health. I have above average interpersonal skills (for a programmer) and realize that most people have something to teach. The transference of any knowledge or skills is notably faster via mentorship than one can obtain through books. For that, as well as one’s own happiness, it is important to treat your fellow employees, and even the competition with the respect that they may or may not deserve.

I value what people can teach me and the life experiences they could offer me above our differences in terms of sexuality and religion, for example. In a world that is becoming rapidly smaller, it is important to accommodate one’s differences and be tolerant. I made a notable, intentional effort to connect with individuals with whom I differ fundamentally, and I’d like to think that it is paying off.

What's the downside?
Since it is often impractical to shut most systems down during business hours, a basic requirement during maintenance/upgrades, it goes without saying that I need to spend some time working after hours.

The job isn’t always easy, and factors outside my control could result me being inefficient; e.g. 3^rd party software packages that simply don’t function according to specification, technical difficulties, and software incompatibilities to name but a few issues.

Then there is also the possibility that I could be replaced by someone younger and smarter who is willing to work harder for less money, though I see this as an incentive to expand my general knowledge, not a downside per se.

Who are your role models or mentors? (Please give full names and job titles)
My superiors are all capable individuals who have a lot to teach, I’m confident that I’ll pick up some of their skills in the years to come.

Other role models:
Mark Zuckerberg Bill Gates, John Carmack, Trevor Manual, Barrack Obama.

Do you make enough money for now?
My payment is more than adequate; I survive comfortably and have some cash left at the end of each month to save/invest.
We also get a 13^th cheque, which allows me to take care of a few unexpected expenditures, invest or simply waste on a vacation. We also get Medical aid and a Pension fund; 2 very attractive perks.

Should I wish to earn more (and I do) or get married to a spouse earning less than me and I wish to maintain the same lifestyle, I need to acquire some more marketable skills and, of course, experience.

What will you do next?
I know that I’m not satisfied with my current academic background. I’m currently an affiliate member of the Computer Society of South Africa; If I attend enough of their seminars in the years to come I can proclaim full membership or even professional membership; I’m trying to find out if I need more formal training in computer science / IT.

I’m also going to learn C# in addition to further improving my Delphi skill. Much to my surprise, Delphi developers actually tend to earn more than C# developers, but it is even better to be proficient with both.

Why do you do this job?
Because I admire working with electrical engineering equipments such as transformers and its auxiliary equipment
I enjoy working with new inventions of electrical engineering
Also to complete my in-service training to obtain my electrical engineering qualification.

What training did you receive?
Edit design integrated training (EDIT) for a doubled wound transformers.

What happens during a normal day at work?
During a normal day at work I am being lectured by different presenters about the standards to be used when designing.
Also I learn about how the software is used with the help from principal designer.

What's the upside?
The upside is that the software is good and challenging.

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
I am a good analyzer in case of designing.
I am a good in visualizing in case of operation of electrical devices
I am a hardworking person who always makes sure that everything is done according to standards.

What's the downside?
The work can some times be very challenging in such manner that we can not find solutions
The standards are too many and I have to learn them in a very short time
Preparing the presentation at a very short time.

Who are your role models or mentors?
Bernard Meyer
Nico Gunter
Abel Gilbert
Jaco Koen

Do you make enough money?
AS a trainee student this is a well paying company welcoming to in-service training.

What will you do next?
Electrical engineering heavy current Bachelor of technology degree

Angy Portolan Electrical Engineer in Training Age: 25 Based in:  Pretoria

Why do you do this job?
I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I would be doing something different everyday.  I have chosen a workplace that presents a new challenge around every corner.  I enjoy using my skills, education and capabilities to its full potential.  I am really happy with the progress of my career at Powertech Transformers.

What training did you receive?
I am currently working in the Technology department at Powertech Transformers.  Some of the training that I have received:
-  Practical transformer manufacturing and assembly
-  Design and optimization of power transformers
-  Analysis of dielectrics and thermal aspects using finite element method software
-  Design specifications for transformer accessories
-  General tendering processes
-  Powertech Transformers also gave me the opportunity to attend training in Electrical Design for Transformers, at ABB in Bad Honnef, Germany.

What happens 9-5?
Wow, so much.  It’s difficult to really say exactly.  No 9 – 5 day has ever been the same.  A lot of my responsibilities include the thermal behaviour of transformers, it my duty to ensure that all new designs done by the Electrical Designers comply with the customers thermal aspects, this will include a Femm analysis to determine the thermal stability of the relevant design.  It is also my responsibility to develop programs that will assist in the electrical design process and hence in future improve current techniques and technologies.

What's the upside?
That there is no downside?  Seriously, it’s what you make of it.  “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
Definitely a positive attitude, willingness to learn and work in a team.

What's the downside?
It can be stressful at times, getting stuck with a problem and struggling to find a solution can be really frustrating, it’s important to remember that we work in a team, and no question is ever a stupid question.

Who are your role models or mentors?
My mentor is my boss – Nico Gϋnter.  He has great abilities to lead and teach without being overpowering or intimidating.

Do you make enough money?
Is this a trick question?
Yes.  Very satisfied.

What will you do next?
Climb the corporate ladder

Viknesveran Reddy Electrical Engineering Technologist Age: 26 Based in:  Pretoria

Why do you do this job?
Transformers are a specialty in a power system network and hence improving my knowledge, allowing me to comprehensively design transformers and giving me an in-depth view of the most important part’s of a Power System Network. This is a stepping stone in Electrical Engineering as a whole.

What training did you receive?
6 months training in the factory and offices: Gaining insight on each process in each department on how transformers are manufactured. From small parts to complete assembly and final testing of the transformer.

E.D.I.T: Electrical Design Integrated Training – here the complexities, as well as, in-depth learning of designing transformers and knowing the most important pillars of not only designing, but understanding a transformers make-up and structure.

What happens during a normal day at work?
A programme is set out for the trainees:

• lectures and education on transformers
• Participation in presentations,
• Questions and answers
• Practical Design of transformers

What's the upside?
As mentioned above and having a stable job in a stable organization with vast resources, earning a salary, growing in terms of experience and as a person.

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
Intelligence
Patience and Calmness
Dilligence
Determined
Organised

What's the downside?
No downside, beside adapting to a new climate, weather and environment

Who are your role models or mentors?
My Parents (Mr and Mrs Reddy), 
Mahatma Ghandi,
Nelson Mandela,
Nico Gunter

Do you make enough money?
No

What will you do next?
To be part of management

Johann van der Walt Senior Analyst Programmer Department: Process Development Age: 26 Based in:  Pretoria

Why do you do this job?
For the challenges I face everyday. I also do this for the endless learning and growing opportunities.

What training did you receive?
Formal training at Unisa and Hatfield Business and Computer College

What happens during a normal day at work?
My day consists mostly of developing new applications, services and technology, application support and research.

What's the upside?
I would say working with new technology and developing new technology.

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
I’m very persistent, committed, daring, and I love a challenge! If something looks impossible, it’s the best challenge and a great way to learn! And I can never say no to a learning opportunity.

What's the downside?
I have not yet experienced any downsides. 

Who are your role models or mentors?
Marius Labuschagne – CIO

Do you make enough money?
Yes.

What will you do next?
I have not gotten to that point yet, once I have absorbed all I could and applied my knowledge as best I could; that’s when I’ll decide my next move. 

Matshediso Phoshoko Electrical Engineer in training Department: Technology Age: 22 Based in: Pretoria

Why do you do this job?
I fell in love with electricity as a subject when I was in Gr9 and I've wanted to study it since

What training did you receive?
Pre-graduation (Bsc Electrical engineering), post- graduation (on-going: Transformer designing) 

What happens during a normal day at work?
Design training using Electrical Design Software, tasks are given and later on the entire class goes through the solutions to the tasks, in an interactive question and answer session

What's the upside?
Tackling the brain exercising tasks

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
Curious mind 

What's the downside?
The iterative nature of finding the solution to the tasks

Who are your role models or mentors?
Nico Gunter- Principal electrical designer
Meshack Galekhutle (Father) - High school deputy principal & part-time lecturer 

Do you make enough money?
No

What will you do next?
Commence on my Masters degree

Herman Janse van Rensburg Electrical Design Trainee Department:  Engineering and Quality Age:  21 Based in:  Pretoria

Why do you do this job?                                                        
Designing, drawings

What training did you receive?                                                 
Pro Engineer

What happens during a normal day at work?                                      
Designing according to spec and customer requirements, checking work, inspections,

What's the upside?                                                             
To see the result of your work when its complete and be proud of it

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?   Determination to get ahead, to be the best at what I do, hard working and logic thinking.

What's the downside?                                                           
Outdated technology.

Who are your role models or mentors? 
Steyn Roux (Works manager),  Bernard Meyer (COO)

Do you make enough money?                                                      
Yes

What will you do next?                                                         
Move on to become a designer and mechanical design manager

Mercy Tshivhilinge Electrical Design Trainee Department:  Engineering and Quality Age:  25 Based in:  Pretoria

Why do you do this job?
I like working with technology and I enjoy challenges

What training did you receive?
I have a BSC (ENG) in Electrical from Wits University. At the present moment I am busy with transformer design training at Powertech Transformers.

What happens during a normal day at work?
It is a day of learning about transformers and its technology. Usually is fun and sometimes hectic.

What's the upside?
After this training and working in technology department will gives me an opportunity to be know more about transformers, hence I can specialize in this field

What personality traits do you think you have that make you good at your job?
I am a hard worker and welling to learn more about transformer design. I enjoy working as a group which is one of the qualities that this job requires

What's the downside?
So far I have not seen any downside of what I am doing since I am still at the learning stage.

Who are your role models or mentors?
Nico Gunter; Principal Designer (Electrical)

Do you make enough money?
Yes

What will you do next?
After training I will be working in technology department, helping out the electrical design department, researching on transformer technology and improving transformer design software (EDS)

To learn more about Powertech, click on their logo or the underlined script next to it on the A-Z of Employers Listing.